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USA : Alaska Backcountry

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Where To?

Alaska Backcountry

EXPLORE

Float planes, backcountry campsites, glacial lakes and the rare opportunity to spot grizzly bears in the wild

BLAZE

Your own trails, literally, amidst the salmon-filled rivers of Alaska’s wildest corners, accompanied by expert local guides

ELEVATE

Backpack in style on a fully supported hike with most gear provided, led by experienced local guides and a camp cook

Why Alaska

It’s as far, as deep and as untouched you can go in the USA—a backcountry paradise far beyond any road. Travel by bush plane and float plane, over moraines and soaring mountains, to blaze your own trails along streams filled with salmon, as eagles soar above in in the remotest corners of Katmai and Lake Clark national parks.

Moments That Matter

You're in the Alaska even Alaskans dream of. Here, you trek through the state’s most epic national parks and spend nights removed from the world, in a world all its own. It’s only you and eagles, caribou, moose, and grizzly bears. You’ll leave transformed, having learned the difference between wild and Alaska wild.

Your Private Experience

Who It’s For

Our Alaska takes you to the most remote part of the 49th state, built for those who seek the thrill of being way, way off the grid. If you want to immerse yourself in wilderness, this trip is for you.

When to Travel

The season runs May through August, with peak salmon runs (and wildlife viewing) in mid-July and August.

Make It Yours

Fishing or tracking, wildlife viewing or climbing—or a healthy mix of everything? We’ll adjust our Alaska itinerary to suit the backcountry experience of your dreams.

Day by Day

We’ll cover all internal float-plane transfers and accommodations, while you’re responsible for your personal gear from our provided list. Here’s how we roll in Alaska’s backcountry:

Day 1

The adventure begins! Meet in Anchorage for a gear check, then head out on a gorgeous plane ride down to the wild and remote Katmai National Park—over 4 million acres of spruce forests, rushing rivers and wild mountains. Set up camp on Iron Springs Lake, and take a short day hike to get acquainted with your new backcountry home.

  • Private airport transfers
  • Private bush flight from Anchorage to Port Alsworth
  • Float plane to Katmai National Park
  • Day Hike near Iron Springs Lake

Days 2 - 3

Head out onto the tundra, watching for herds of caribou, eagles soaring, and maybe even grizzly bears over three days of pristine backcountry hiking. We rise early for hot breakfasts, then hike past spring-fed lakes and creeks, our route rises in broad tundra surrounded by spectacular peaks. Each day plan on 6 to 7 miles of hiking, with elevation gains of 500 to 1,500 feet.

  • Hike through untouched wilderness
  • Sleep in expedition-quality tents (provided)
  • Award-winning camp meals prepared by your camp cook

Day 4

The goal today is Spectacle Lake and the headwaters of Moraine Creek. This is true bear country with each river, stream and sandy inlet pulsing with salmon making their last upstream push to nest and lay eggs. Set up camp and head out on an afternoon hike (daypacks only) in search of wildlife and, of course, grizzly bears. When you return it’s time to relax, and maybe even fish for a few trout.

  • Day hike up Moraine Creek
  • Grizzly bear viewing

Day 5

Grab your daypacks for a full-day ramble along Funnel Creek to its confluence with Moraine Creek. Up on the ridge, look for grizzly bears, both lone males and mothers with spring cubs, roaming the creek and fishing for salmon. Go slow and appreciate every moment in Katmai’s bear country, before looping back to camp. Tonight you’ll take in the twinkling stars in a place very, very few people have ever seen. This is truly special.

  • Day hike up Funnel Creek
  • Grizzly bear viewing

Day 6

Rise for breakfast, then hear something surprising: your personal float plane, descending to transport you back to Farm Lodge’s lakeside cabins at Port Alsworth, on the namesake lake of Lake Clark National Park. Hit the showers then have time to explore, hike or paddle on the lake before gathering for a celebratory dinner of home-cooked Alaskan fare.

  • Private float plane to Port Alsworth
  • Paddle or hike around Lake Clark
  • Cabin lodging and celebration dinner

Where We Sleep

Our Alaska is backcountry camping on mountain-rimmed tundra and lakeside beaches, plus a grand finale of luxurious cabins at an all-timer location.

Backcountry Camping

Location location location. We pitch tents by pristine streams and glacial lake beaches backed by rugged peaks in Alaska’s true wilderness. We eat well under the stars, too, with locally sourced ingredients cooked in our camp-kitchen.

Mountain Lodges

Days of hiking is rewarded by a lodge wedged between mirrored lake waters and towering peaks at Lake Clark National Park. Breathe in the wildflowers and listen out for wildlife from a country-style lodge with unforgettable, home-cooked feasts.

People Love Modern Adventure’s Alaska

“
The backpacking was amazing, each campsite was stunning. Watching grizzlies up-close is an experience I'll never forget.
Kelly G.
“
Rustic luxe. How can you top that?
Debra B.
“
Every person involved with leading and guiding was top notch—friendly, knowledgeable, fun, kind—it doesn’t get better.
Elizabeth Z.

FAQs

  1. How many people is this itinerary suitable for?

    We can plan a custom, private departure for any group size. Our custom trips are perfect for a couple wishing to travel on their own, a family, or a multi-generational group. If you’re looking to travel on one of our group departures on a private basis, a minimum number of travelers may apply.

  2. Can you curate an itinerary for a larger group?

    Yes, we can craft an unforgettable milestone celebration or company retreat for groups as large as 40 or more.

  3. What makes a MO/AD experience different?

    Our level of curation, care, and in-country connections. We handle everything, overseeing your experience from beginning to end with the highest levels of ownership and responsibility. We support you every step of the way with comprehensive itineraries, detailed day-by-day descriptions, insider destination info, and 24/7 dedicated support.

  4. How far in advance should I plan my trip?

    Preferably six to nine months in advance and earlier for holiday travel. We stay in unique, in-demand boutique and luxury hotels where advance reservations are important to secure the best accommodations possible. We can help with last-minute travel planning, however availability may be limited.

  5. What is typically included?

    We curate your MO/AD Private Departure to ensure the experiences are authentic, immersive, and included in your trip price. Your itinerary typically includes accommodations, airport transfers, private transportation for all day trips and excursions, privately guided tours with local guides, exclusive VIP access and activities, and meals as detailed in your itinerary.

  6. How much will it cost?

    MO/AD Private Departures typically cost $750 to $1,500 per person, per day, and vary by destination, time of year, number of people in your group, and types of activities you prefer.

  7. What's not included?

    MO/AD Private Departures do not include roundtrip airfare to/from your destination, travel insurance, gratuities for local guides, hotel incidentals, and any activities and meals not included in your itinerary.

  8. What deposits are required?

    After learning more about you, your interests, preferred style of travel, dates, and budget, we will present you with initial ideas and examples of what we can plan for you. In order to design a detailed itinerary and check availability, there is a $500 non-refundable planning deposit due. This will be applied to your final trip cost. Once your itinerary is perfect, we require a 25% non-refundable confirmation deposit to start confirming all of your arrangements. Many of our local partners and hotels require additional advance deposits to secure the best accommodations. The balance of your trip cost is due 90 days prior to travel.

  9. Where can I find the complete terms of my booking?

    See our Terms & Conditions for complete details about our policies regarding your MO/AD Private Departure booking.